New data: 40 percent in US lack home broadband

The availability of high-speed Internet access continues to grow. Still, about 40 percent of Americans do not have broadband at home.

That comes from new Commerce Department statistics that underscore the challenges facing policymakers trying to bring affordable high-speed Internet connections to all Americans.

The Commerce and Agriculture departments are handing out $7.2 billion in stimulus funding for broadband. Also, next month the Federal Communications Commission is due to deliver a broadband plan to Congress.

Lack of broadband availability is just one challenge for Washington, because even in places where broadband is available, not everyone subscribes. Thirty-eight percent of households without broadband say they don't need it or want it.